The Year Round Beauty of Native Edibles

Bates Rewards Member’s Sale: 20% off Sassafras flash sale* extended! Final Sunday: November 15; Monday - Saturday starting 11/16

We’ve had a mild and lovely fall so far, but it looks like the temps are finally going to dip down into the frosty zone this weekend. If you haven’t brought your outside-for-the-summer houseplants in, now’s the time. Those in the city might not hit the 30° forecasted for Friday evening, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution. For those concerned with unwanted insect hitchhikers, treat your plants with Arber’s Bio Insecticide. I recommend getting the bottle with a hose attachment so you can treat everything quickly and have plenty left over to use in the garden in spring.

Those with tender cold crops may be worried about how they’ll fare in the freezing temperatures. While typically an old bedsheet will suffice, we also carry frost cloths, tunnels, and jackets to tuck your plants in for a warm night’s rest.

If you’re interested in filling out your plate with delights from the garden, there are a number of edible additions that you can plant now and enjoy for years to come. Gardeners who like to prioritize indigenous plants will be delighted to learn that there are many native species of fruiting trees and shrubs.

There are multiple varieties of Blueberries that are endemic to our region that also display gorgeous orangey red foliage this time of year. Tennessee is also home to several members of the Rubus family that delight us with fruit in the summer and golden leaves in the fall. Our beloved Paw Paw dons an incredible golden hue that rivals the mightiest Ginkgo. Native Persimmons put on an extended show that starts with leaves ranging from gold to orange and continues with bare branches covered in fruits that ripen to darker shades of amber. Lastly, the Serviceberry, a lesser known native with beautiful white flowers in the Spring, gorgeous autumn color, and delicious fruit. Many of us have had our first taste here at the nursery, thanks to the baking prowess of our general manager Adam Chapman.

That’s it for this week, friends. Tune in to Gardening Inside Out Saturday mornings at 8 am. Queue up the podcast for your commute, and check out the latest Garden Snacks with Caroline. Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes fun and questions answered. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Happy Gardening,

Sara Bates

*Sale is valid while supplies last